Siaya Governor James Orengo has thrown his weight behind the proposed nuclear power plant in the county, saying he is ready to stake his political capital on the project despite being a prominent opposition figure.
Orengo said long-term benefits of hosting the nuclear facility outweigh short-term political considerations, arguing that the project could transform Siaya’s economy and create opportunities for future generations.
The governor spoke in Vienna, Austria, where he attended the 70th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference and held talks with IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of Technical Cooperation Hua Liu.
The meeting focused on technical support, technology transfer and safety oversight for the proposed project, with Orengo saying Siaya was prepared to work with the national government and international partners to advance the plan.
“This is not about politics. It is about the future of our people and the future of this country,” Orengo said.
The Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA) has identified potential sites along the shores of Lake Victoria for the proposed nuclear facility.
Orengo described the project as potentially one of the largest investments in Kenya, saying its benefits would go beyond electricity generation to jobs, skills development and infrastructure.
He said the plant will create opportunities in engineering, construction, operations and other specialised fields while helping Kenya meet its growing demand for reliable electricity.
“This is a strategic national asset. We cannot afford to lock out such investments if we want to transform our subsistence economy into an industrial powerhouse,” he said.
The governor said the project will also provide an opportunity to train Kenyan youth in nuclear science and other technical disciplines, while stimulating development of roads, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure in the host area.
He said Siaya will support the project but will insist that all legal and constitutional requirements are followed.
“As a county, we will demand rigorous public participation, proper procedures and fair and prompt compensation for any land that may be required,” Orengo said.
The governor’s position comes amid debate over the proposed nuclear plant, including concerns over land acquisition, environmental protection, safety and the involvement of host communities.
Orengo said these concerns could be addressed through early engagement with residents and other stakeholders.
The Siaya county government has been working with NuPEA on a stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at creating awareness about the project and addressing concerns among communities that could be affected.
The governor also contrasted Siaya’s position with resistance encountered in other parts of the country, saying his county was prepared to embrace the investment.
“Whereas Kilifi people rejected this transformational project, Siaya people will fully embrace it and work closely with the government to ensure its absolute success,” he said.
Orengo said the county will seek to ensure residents benefit directly from the investment rather than merely hosting the facility.
“We want our people to be part of this project, to understand it and to benefit from it,” he said.
The proposed nuclear plant is part of the government’s long-term plan to diversify Kenya’s electricity generation sources and provide reliable baseload power.
President William Ruto has said Kenya plans to develop a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Siaya, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and electricity generation targeted for 2034.
The project is expected to undergo several stages, including detailed site studies, environmental assessments, regulatory approvals, financing arrangements and licensing before construction.
Orengo said Siaya was ready to play its role in ensuring the project succeeds while protecting the interests of residents.
“If we want to industrialise this country, we must be prepared to make decisions that look beyond the politics of today and focus on the generations to come,” he said.
His backing places the governor among local leaders supporting the proposed nuclear investment as the government continues preparations for Kenya’s entry into nuclear power generation.
